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Why does my dog still drag and have scabs after anal gland draining?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 7 months old | 21.5 lbs

My dog got his anal gland drained still drags but, looked under his tail and saw scabs/ crust what could it be ?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on August 23rd, 2017

Hi and thanks for your question. The scabs you mention may be due to chronic licking around his anal area before his anal sacs were expressed. Full anal sacs can cause discomfort and dogs may lick their rear end excessively because of this. You may wipe the area with a mild cleansing cloth a few times a day and see if it improves. I hope this has helped!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 7th, 2019
Hi and thanks for you request.
Usually these signs are related to anal gland most commonly affected by inflammation or infection.
A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Levi Gordon, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 6th, 2017
Cleaning the area thoroughly to prevent infection is vital. Also, if you don't have a lot of veterinary funds you can either ask if a hospital will do just an anal gland expression without a visitation fee. Or you could go to a grooming salon and ask them if that is cheaper. Most likely these signs are due to full anal glands.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog is still scooting after anal gland expression. Is this normal?

They are likely not full again but may be a bit irritated due to the expression. If your dog keeps scooting for more than a day or two then I suggest you take him back to your veterinarian for a recheck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog still scooting and swollen after anal gland expression?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Continued scooting following anal sac expression may not be related to the need to be expressed further. Occasionally the anal sac may still be inflamed/irritated following the expression which may still result in some discomfort and the urge to itch. Scooting of the hind end can also be due to a superficial itch that may be related to an underlying environmental or parasite (i.e flea) allergy. It is difficult to tell from the picture without being able to palpate the rectum, but I do not see any evidence of overt swelling in the region (the anal sacs sit at 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock position at the anus). If Emma continues to appear irritated you can have her evaluated by her veterinarian to palpate the anal sacs and make sure everything palpates normally.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog keeps scooting after anal gland expression. Is this normal?

Residual inflammation is normal, especially if the glands were already inflamed. You may call your vet and ask about a course of anti-inflammatory medication. Omega 3 fatty acids can also help. Lastly, a cool (not cold) compress may be a better option to relieve the burning. Sometimes supplements like Glandex can help. If Adam continues to have itchy anal glands, you may want to discuss ruling out food allergies with your vet. I always use a hydrolyzed protein for this. I hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog walks crooked after anal gland surgery. Is this normal?

It’s hard to say what’s going on but from the picture, I agree that the anal gland abscess seems to be healing well. As the scab forms, it can produce a mild pulling or pinching sensation which could be uncomfortable. Also make sure there is not hair or feces stuck in the fur around there. If true limping happens or if Ems is biting at the area, you notice discharge, swelling, or have other concerns, definitely see your vet. For now I’d watch Ems over the next 12-24 hours and see how she does. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog keeps licking after anal gland expression. Is it normal?

Yes, licking is a common behavior after anal gland expression because of the mild irritation that can be caused when you milk the full or impacted [anal glands](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/conditions-of-the-anal-glands) until they are empty. This should passwithin 24 hours, but if it appears overly irritated you can apply a thin layer of Desitin (baby rash cream) to the skin around the rectum. Consider using an e-collar (cone) to prevent excessive licking.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog's anus is red and he's licking it. Are his anal glands full?

His anal glands may be full again. Normally, they are expressed during the act of defecation. You are quite brave to do it on your own! Not many pet parents would do that. If you feel comfortable doing it again, do so but gently. If the problem persists, you will have no choice but to seek veterinary attention. Clinics and veterinary ERs will see patients. If left untreated, Scooby could form an abscess which is very painful and may require sedation to lance and drain. You can consider a product, such as Glandex, to help with anal gland issues. https://www.glandex.com/

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why is my dog scooting after grooming? Did groomer damage anal glands?

yes, I am afraid it is possible that a groomer damages anal glands. Most groomers offer emptying anal glands as a service, however, do not do this correctly and also do it even when it is not necessary. Emptying anal glands/sacs should be done by a veterinarian and only after the vet examines them and determines that they actually are impacted and need emptying. So, when you take your dog to the groomer adamantly request that they leave the anal sacs alone. As for the scooting and furiously licking, dogs with food allergies often can get irritated anal glands. It may be worth trying some hypoallergenic food for 8 to 12 weeks to see whether this subsides. If so, then your dog is suffering from food allergies and you want to discuss an elimination diet with your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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